About This Christmas Bells Pattern
This pattern creates a festive pair of crochet bells decorated with holly leaves and berries, complete with a hanging loop. It includes step-by-step rounds for bells, leaves, berries, the bell language (clapper thread) and assembly instructions. Detailed photos and a crab (reverse) stitch edge help you achieve a neat finished look. Designed to be compact and decorative for holiday displays.
You will work in continuous spirals for the bells and use a DK weight Yarn Art Jeans yarn as recommended. The instructions cover finishing touches like stuffing, tightening holes, and hiding threads for a professional result.
Why You'll Love This Christmas Bells Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it combines simple amigurumi-style shaping with decorative details that really pop at the holidays. I enjoy the way the crab (reverse) stitch gives the bell rim a tidy, finished edge that looks professional. The leaves and berries let you add color contrast and charm, and the finished piece is compact but very impactful in seasonal displays. Making multiple sets is quick and satisfying, so I often make a few to give as gifts or to hang on wreaths and garlands.
Switch Things Up
I love to change colors to match my holiday decor; try metallic or variegated DK yarn for a festive twist.
I sometimes use a slightly smaller hook for a denser fabric if I want the bells to be sturdier and less prone to showing stuffing.
I like making mini versions by using thinner yarn and a smaller hook to create tiny keychain or ornament-sized bells.
Try embroidering veins on the leaves with a contrasting thread to add extra detail and texture.
You can replace the tambourine jingle with a small bead or leave the bell empty for a quieter decoration.
For a rustic look, use natural fiber yarns and add a twine bow between the bells.
I often add an extra row of crab stitch in a contrasting color to create a decorative rim around the bell edge.
Make a garland by stitching several bell units onto a long crocheted chain or ribbon for a cheerful display.
If you want posable leaves, add a small piece of craft wire inside the leaf before closing and shape gently.
To make the piece more giftable, attach a small crocheted gift tag or loop a ribbon through the top loop before packaging.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Crocheting too loosely which causes stuffing to peek through the stitches; use a slightly smaller hook or tighten your tension to close gaps before stuffing.
✗ Forgetting to stuff gradually which leads to lumpy shapes; add small amounts of fiberfill while shaping to keep a smooth, even curve.
✗ Not securing the tambourine (jingle bell) thread properly can make the clapper fall out; tie and knot the thread securely, then hide and sew the tail inside the bell.
✗ Skipping the crab (reverse) stitch row will make the bell edge look unfinished; follow the instruction exactly and practice the reverse single crochet on a scrap before applying it to the bell.
✗ Failing to hide and tie threads from leaves/loop can create a messy back; use a needle to pull threads to the back and sew them together neatly before finishing.
